Unlike many A-list celebrities who swear they are simply blessed with a speedy metabolism, country music superstar Reba McEntire admits that it takes hard work to maintain her figure. She monitors what she eats, exercises regularly and, yes, splurges occasionally. In this candid interview, the 52-year-old star shares her tips for keeping trim. Plus, get two recipes straight from McEntire’s kitchen…

A Grammy-winning singer and Emmy-nominated actress, McEntire knows the importance of good health. The famous redhead has been in the spotlight for decades, along the way racking up 22 number one hits, selling more than 50 million records, and starring in a hit T.V. series, Reba.

Like many women, McEntire has to work for what came easily when she was younger. “There comes a time in your life when you realize you have to take good care of your body,” McEntire says. “That means eating right and exercising regularly.”

At 5’7”, McEntire aims to be a slim 125 pounds but says her weight fluctuates, especially when she indulges in her favorite foods. Here she reveals her five strategies for staying slim, healthy and strong.

Cut down on red meat and fats

“We used to eat meat almost every day growing up,” says McEntire whose father was a rancher and champion steer-roper. “Our biggest treat was some of my mother’s Southern cooking, filled with cholesterol.”

Today, McEntire has learned the benefits of eating nutritiously. “I’m aware of what I eat and if it’s healthy or not. I’ve all but given up eating meat, opting more for chicken, fish and salads. When we do have meat, it’s a grilled lean steak.”

Even a Southern tradition of barbecue gets the healthy treatment at McEntire’s house. “I love to throw a thick steak on the grill; I just make sure it’s lean and the fat is taken off,” McEntire says. “We’ve perfected grilled tuna and swordfish too. Put that with steamed vegetables and rice and you’ve got a well-balanced, low-fat dinner.”

When McEntire isn’t on the road, she enjoys cooking for her family – husband/manager Narvel and their 17-year-old son, Shelby. “I wouldn’t say I’m a gourmet cook, but I do love trying different recipes,” McEntire says. “I’m also trying to eat foods high in calcium since I don’t eat a lot of dairy products. I try to use broccoli in a lot of my cooking because of its overall goodness.” (See related article: Fantastic at 40: Martina McBride)

“Right before last year’s Academy of Country Music Awards, I went on a really strict diet and worked out a lot,” McEntire says. “I had some dresses that I bought three months ago that I couldn’t get into anymore. Then I went on vacation and gained back five to 10 pounds.”

The singer takes the up-and-down in stride. “I fluctuate quite a bit – at least five pounds. But I do love to eat. It’s a great part of life. But if I set my mind to it, I can lose the weight.”

To do that, McEntire follows a regimented program consisting of lots of protein, avoidance of carbs, drinking at least 10 glasses of water a day and getting a lot of sleep.

Regular exercise

McEntire varies her exercise activities. At home, she uses her tennis courts and swimming pool – mixing fitness with fun. She also has a small gym complete with free weights and a treadmill. Plus, “I like to go for walks and horseback ride, too. I could ride for hours.”

When on the road touring, McEntire picks hotels with a gym or spa so she can do some cardio exercise. “I like doing regular Pilates. It’s a great total body workout that isn’t rough on you.”

Yet like most women McEntire has some body parts she’s just not thrilled with. Her trouble spots? “A flabby butt and jiggly arms.”

Juice up

Living a leaner lifestyle has also meant lots of natural fruit juices. “Instead of the tried-and-true waffles with peanut butter, syrup and jelly, I now like a fresh juice for breakfast,” McEntire says. “It’s very filling and it really cleans out my system. I try and make one in my juicer in the morning. I like an apple/orange one but my favorite is the carrot/cucumber juice.” (See related article: 20 Easy Ways to Cut 100 Calories)

Keeping track of her diet doesn’t mean McEntire shies away from parties. Being a Southerner, the singer loves dishing up some down-home hospitality at her Nashville house.

“Food is the comfort spot for most people so I always serve some kind of chips and dip,” she says. “I’ve had Texasbarbecues for Don Henley when we were recording. He loved my Reba Beans, a comfort food made from scratch right inside my own kitchen. I serve it with cornbread.” (Get the recipe for Reba’s Beans on page 7).

Over the years, the Oklahoma native has cultivated lasting relationships with country music’s other female all-stars, including Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, and Barbara Mandrell. McEntire says these friendships help keep her grounded, balanced and mentally healthy. “You have to stay in contact and work at it, so I do stay in touch. There are things you can tell a friend that you can’t tell anyone else. It’s kind of like a therapy session.”

Reba’s Yogurt Chicken

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup plain low-fat yogurt

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Preparation

1. In small bowl, combine all ingredients except chicken; mix well.

2. Score top of chicken by making shallow cuts, about one-eighth to one-quarter inch deep.

3. Place chicken in zipper-topped plastic bag; add enough yogurt mixture to coat, reserving some for basting. Turn until chicken is coated. Let stand at room temp for 15 minutes.

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